Tragedy in Harlem: Beloved Grandmother Killed in Crossfire Outside Her Home
Community Mourns the Loss of Excenia Mette, A Pioneer and Pillar of Harlem
Harlem, New York (April 22, 2025) – A quiet Tuesday afternoon in Harlem was shattered by gunfire that claimed the life of a beloved grandmother and community icon. Excenia Mette, 61, was fatally shot in the head outside her apartment building in a heartbreaking incident that has left the neighborhood reeling in grief.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), officers on patrol heard gunshots and rushed to the scene where they found Mette critically injured. She was pronounced dead shortly after. A 23-year-old man, who police say was not directly involved with Mette, also suffered a gunshot wound to the foot and was transported to the hospital. His condition is reported as stable.
Investigators believe that Mette was caught in the crossfire during an escalating argument outside her residence. According to reports from the New York Daily News, she had initially heard a heated exchange from her window and, concerned for her grandson who was nearby, called down for the fighting to stop. When the conflict intensified, Mette stepped outside in an apparent attempt to de-escalate the situation. Moments later, gunfire erupted, and she was struck by a bullet intended for someone else.
Police have taken a person of interest into custody, though their identity has not yet been released. Investigations into the motive and individuals involved in the altercation remain ongoing.
The senseless nature of Mette’s death has sent shockwaves through Harlem, where she was deeply respected and admired. Excenia Mette was far more than a bystander—she was a trailblazer, a caretaker, and a voice for justice.
She was a long-time member of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) and frequently active at the House of Justice, where her work for community equity was widely known and appreciated. In her earlier years, Mette broke barriers as the first Black woman to own and operate a bodega in New York City, a shop that became a vital part of the community fabric for over 30 years. She ran it with love, determination, and a fierce sense of independence before finally closing its doors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mette’s story was one of resilience, strength, and unwavering dedication to Harlem. Her bodega was not just a business—it was a safe space, a support hub, and a testament to the power of Black female entrepreneurship in the heart of the city.
“We at the House of Justice are deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic and senseless loss of Excenia Mette, a beloved member of our community,” said Rev. Ronald McHenry of NAN. “She was a mother, a grandmother, a business leader, and a force for good. We will do all we can to support her family during this time.”
As the investigation into her death continues, the community she so selflessly served is left mourning her loss and calling for accountability and an end to gun violence. Tributes continue to pour in—neighbors lighting candles at her doorstep, social media flooded with memories, and calls for justice echoing from city leaders and activists alike.
A woman who spent her life nurturing and protecting others died trying to do the same one final time. Her courage, compassion, and contributions will not be forgotten.
In her memory, the National Action Network and her loved ones are rallying to honor her legacy—not just with words, but with action. Plans for a memorial fund or scholarship in her name are already underway, and the call for peace in her community grows louder.
Rest in Power, Excenia Mette.
Your voice will never be silenced. Your light will never fade.